Revolutionizing Maritime Industry: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Unveils World's First Ammonia-Powered Vessel

In a groundbreaking achievement, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has successfully built the world's first ammonia-powered vessel, marking a significant milestone in the maritime industry's transition towards eco-friendly and sustainable shipping solutions. The company held a naming ceremony for two mid-sized gas carriers equipped with ammonia dual-fuel engines on March 9 at its Ulsan shipyard in South Korea.

The ceremony, attended by approximately 70 officials and employees, including Joo Won-ho, President and head of HHI's Naval & Special Ship Business Unit, and Nicolas Saverys, Chairman of Exmar, highlighted the company's commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. The two vessels, named 'Antwerpen' and 'Arlon' after cities in Belgium, are the first and second of four ammonia-powered mid-sized gas carriers ordered by Exmar LPG France, a subsidiary of Belgian shipping company Exmar, in 2023 and 2024.

The vessels, measuring 190 meters in length, 30.4 meters in width, and 18.8 meters in height, feature three cargo tanks designed and built using HHI's proprietary technology, enabling the safe transport of liquefied gas cargoes such as ammonia and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Additionally, they are equipped with a shaft generator, which produces electricity using the propulsion engine's rotating shaft, and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, further enhancing their environmental performance.

Ammonia (NH3), an eco-friendly, carbon-free fuel, has been gaining attention as a promising alternative to traditional marine fuels. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), ammonia is projected to account for 8% of marine fuel demand in 2030, rising to 46% by 2050. This significant growth in demand is driven by the need for cleaner and more sustainable shipping solutions, as the maritime industry aims to reduce its carbon footprint and comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

HHI's achievement is a testament to the company's leadership in the global eco-friendly ship market, with a strong focus on technological innovation and sustainability. Having delivered the world's first methanol-powered petrochemical product carrier in 2016 and the world's first methanol-powered container ship in 2023, HHI has secured orders for a total of eight ammonia-powered vessels from companies including Exmar and Trafigura.

The use of ammonia as a marine fuel offers several advantages, including higher storage density than liquefied hydrogen and the potential for large-scale, long-distance transport and storage of hydrogen. Furthermore, ammonia can be stored in pressurized tanks at around 8 bar or in refrigerated tanks at -33°C without the need for cryogenic technology, making it a viable alternative to traditional fuels.

As the maritime industry continues to evolve and transition towards cleaner and more sustainable shipping solutions, HHI's achievement serves as a model for innovation and environmental responsibility. With the global demand for eco-friendly ships expected to grow significantly in the coming years, companies like HHI are at the forefront of this revolution, driving technological advancements and paving the way for a more sustainable future for the maritime industry.